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The Dunne Dispatch (Calendar Edition) - 04/12/2024
The Dunne Dispatch alternates between a bi-weekly calendar of events and bi-weekly report on School Board updates, student accomplishments, and school celebrations. My goal is to connect the schools with the community, and vice versa. Even if you do not have children attending FCPS, I encourage you to attend public events at our schools.
If you have any school or related community events you would like me to include in my calendar email, please submit them here for consideration.
Very respectfully,
 Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative
Inside this issue:
April is the Month of the Military Child.
Wear purple on Wednesday, April 17th to show your support!
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Kindergarten Orientation and PreK Enrollment Information
Mount Vernon District Elementary School Kindergarten Orientations
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Bucknell, ES, April 25, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Learn more and register online.
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Fort Belvoir Primary School, May 3, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
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Mount Eagle ES, May 10, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Get more information
The list will be updated throughout the month.
PreK, Early Head Start, and Head Start Enrollment Open Now
High Quality Early Childhood Program for Income Eligible Families. Limited spots available for children aged 3 or 4 by September 30 in the PreK program. Read more and apply online.
Head Start & Early Head Start, Fairfax County Office for Children
Apply today for quality early childhood education for children birth to five years old and services for pregnant women at no cost to eligible families. Questions? Call 703-324-8290 or read more online.
Mount Vernon District School Activities and Events
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Island Creek ES Book Fair, April 12-19. Visit the Island Creed ES Library for Student Shopping Days April 15-18, 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday, April 19, 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Hollin Meadows ES Wellness Fair, April 13, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hollin Meadows' Wellness Fair will be on Saturday April 13 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Hollin Meadows ES. There will be 25+ vendors for families to visit and learn more about their programs and resources. There will also be Wellness Checks provided by Walmart, a sensory station from Hooray Art, demonstrations and presentations in the gym, a vaccine clinic and food trucks. Check online for a complete list of vendors and schedule of events.
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Mount Vernon HS PTSA Spring Craft Fair, April 13, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Park and enter at Door 4). The Mount Vernon HS PTSA is hosting a variety of vendors offering unique gift options for your family, friends, neighbors, co‑workers, and yourself including jewelry, pet accessories, candles, makeup, children's books, and MORE.
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Fireside Chat with Hayfield Graduate Leslie Lautenslager, April 16, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Hayfield MS Lecture Hall). Ms. Leslie Lautenslager, a 1981 Hayfield graduate, who spent 25 years at the side of General Colin Powell, will share some practical advice from this amazing man, and stories about General Powell that will have you laughing from her recently published book My Time with General Colin Powell: Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, & Protocol. This event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be available. Please RSVP to doolinga@magellanfederal.com.
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Fort Belvoir Primary Hosts School-Wide Expectations Round Table Talk, April 16, 9:30 a.m. Fort Belvoir Primary is currently in the crucial phase of setting school-wide expectations, and it’s paramount that all stakeholders participate actively in this endeavor. The primary aim is to ensure clarity for both students and families regarding behavior expectations, particularly in areas such as hallway conduct and cafeteria etiquette. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 16th at 9:30am in the cafeteria. Your input holds significant weight as we strive to establish a conducive learning environment that fosters respect, responsibility, and safety for all members of our school community.
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Crestwood Family Science Night, April 16, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Crestwood ES students and families are invited to attend an electrifying evening of discovery at Family Science Night on Tuesday, April 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Crestwood ES Gym.
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Bryant High School Hosts 2024 Career Fair, April 17. Jumpstart your future career on April 17, 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. at Bryant High School, 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306. Thinking about life after high school? Explore existing job paths and meet employers eager to welcome the next generation of talent.
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West Potomac High School Job Fair, April 18, 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. The West Potomac High School Job Fair is scheduled to take place in the school cafeteria on Thursday, April 18th, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The event is limited to West Potomac HS students in grades 9-12. Register online today.
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Forestdale ES Bright Minds, Big City Family Event, April 19, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join Forestdale ES for an Open House-style event where families can hop on the Forestdale City Bus and embark on an educational journey through literacy, math, and S.T.E.A.M. activities! Attendees will have the opportunity to create, play, explore, and learn in a fun and interactive environment. This is a Free Family Event. All are Welcome!
- Bush Hill ES Spring Book Fair, April 22-26
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Silverbrook ES Seahawk STEAM Fair, April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Silverbrook ES K-6 students are invited to the Silverbrook STEAM Fair on April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to register and create projects for the STEAM Fair. Register online.
- Sandburg MS Bingo Night, April 25, 6:00 p.m.
- Lorton Station ES Multicultural Night, April 26, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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Community Service/Fundraising Opportunities
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South County MS Rise Against Hunger, April 15. The 8th Grade Day of Service is just around the corner. We are still trying to raise money, $1,715, for Rise Against Hunger by April 15th. If you want to spread the word, feel free to share the link below with your family, friends, and on social media: http://tinyurl.com/RHSDonationSCMS.
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Lane ES PTA Host Kumo Asian Bistro Restaurant Days, April 16 & 17th. Please join the Lane ES PTA for its April Restaurant Days at Kumo Asian Bistro in the Manchester Lakes Shopping Center (7025 Manchester Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22310) on Tuesday, April 16th, or Wednesday, April 17th (or both!) A percentage of sales generated by Lane families for the entire day will be donated back to our school! Both dine-in and takeout orders count. Lane ES families should present the flyer sent home in Wednesday Folders. For online orders, write Lane as part of your name (“Name-Lane”). You can order or just preview the menu online.
- West Potomac HS Choral Fundraiser, Panera Bread (6670 Richmond Hwy), April 17, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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DSANV Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run, April 21, 9:15 a.m. Mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes and help us celebrate the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) with our third annual Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run. On April 21, 2024, the 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:00am and the Fun Run starts at 9:15am at Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079. Proceeds will go towards supporting DSANV’s mission to ensure all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in the Northern Virginia area, receive the support necessary to participate in, contribute to and achieve fulfillment of the life in their communities. Fairfax County Public Schools Students and Staff will receive Registration discount! Please use coupon code: WDSDAY24. Register online. For questions and event details, please email springsprint@dsanv.org
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Key Center PTA Presents Pucker Palooza, May 11, 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Mark your calendars now for a fun afternoon of raising funds for Key Center PTA. Join us on Saturday, May 11th from Noon until 5PM for: Live auction of fantastic items such as National tickets; Live music; Cornhole tournament; 50/50 raffle; and Delicious food. The event takes place at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company (2822 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church, VA). More information coming soon.
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Mount Vernon HS Booster Club Annual Golf Tournament, Mount Vernon Country Club, April 15. The Mount Vernon HS Booster Club is hosting their annual golf tournament on April 15th. Please pass this on to any of your golf friends to come out and support our athletics program as this is a Major event for our booster club. Learn more and register online.
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Mount Vernon District Fine & Performing Arts
- Mount Vernon Pyramid Art Show, April 18, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Twain MS Presents Frozen, Jr., April 18-20, 7:00 p.m.
- Newington Forest ES Presents Big Blue Marble, April 29, 7:00 p.m.
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SAVE THE DATE: Mount Vernon HS Spring Production The Addams Family, April 26 (7:00 p.m.) and April 27 (1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.)
Summer Academic Enrichment and Camp Programs
😎 Dive into summer fun with FCPS! Registration is now open for FCPS summer camps and learning opportunities. Sign your child up for a summer program for a fun-filled experience that will enhance your child academically. Don't miss out on the chance to learn and have a blast. Register online to secure your child’s spot today!
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VIP CAMP - Summer Camp for Rising Middle Schoolers. Looking for a fun summer camp for your rising middle schooler? Check out VIP Camp, taking place July 1 through August 1 at five FCPS middle schools, and open to all FCPS middle school students. VIP Camp costs only $100 for the 5-week program! Find out more and register online. All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs. Applications are now open. There is a $100 fee for the five-week program. Scholarships are available. Sandburg MS site will serve rising 7th and rising 8th graders from Hayfield SS, Key MS, Sandburg MS, Twain MS, and Whitman MS. Questions? Contact your Middle School After-School Specialist for more information or program details..
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Therapeutic Recreation Summer Program. Registration now open! Registration for Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp opens on April 10th. The registration process uses their program called TRACERS. If you do not yet have a TRACERS account, you can register at this link now so your registration process will go smoothly when it opens on the 10th. For more information about Therapeutic Recreation Summer Programs, please refer to the flier sent home before Spring Break, or access the Therapeutic Recreation website.
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Join Bucknell Summer Programs, July 8-26. Bucknell ES will offer Bridge to K, SOAR, and Young Scholars. Mondays – Fridays, July 8-26. More information coming soon.
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Walt Whitman MS Jump Start, August 6 7, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Jump Start is a great opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the Whitman staff, explore the building, and learn about the expectations and programs offered. Jump Start will help students make positive connections to the Whitman community as they prepare to start the 2024-2025 school year. Register online.
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Edison HS Jumpstart Program, August 7 & 9. Registration begins May 30. Your student's transition to high school is very important to us! This year we will be offering an optional Jump Start program to our rising 9th grade students. Students will be able to register to attend one of the two-day sessions: August 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and August 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to meet staff members (administrators, counselors, and some teachers), tour the building, get a couple high school tips for success, hear about our many sports/club programs offered, and more. Lunch is included in the program. Transportation will be provided at limited locations. Save the Date: Registration will open on May 30th and a link will be located on the Edison website for those interested in our Jumpstart program. Please contact please contact Greg Dombrowski: GSDombrowski@fcps.edu for further information.
Sports and Athletics
Hayfield Athletic Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations
Hayfield Secondary School is introducing the Hayfield Secondary Athletic Hall of Fame. A Hall of Fame committee has been selected and the 1st Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during the Fall of 2024. Complete the online form to nominate someone for the Hall of Fame.
Parent/Family Engagement Opportunities
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Twain Parent Strategy Session and PTA Meeting, April 17, 7:00 p.m. Attention Twain MS parents/families: Join the next Parent Strategy Session on April 17th at 7:00 PM in the Twain Library. Following some brief PTA business, Edison Pyramid Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) Mr. Shawn Elliot will present on substance abuse topics to equip parents in supporting healthy choices for our Twain students. See you there!
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Edison HS Senior PTSA Scholarships. We are excited to announce that we have increased our EHS PTSA scholarship amounts from $500 each to $1,000 each. Four scholarships will be awarded. Learn more online.
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Springfield Estates ES PTA Meeting, May 8, 6:00 p.m. Springfield Estates ES PTA’s last meeting for this school year will be on May 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m. in the Springfield Estate ES cafeteria. The meeting will feature an Italian-themed potluck and all Springfield Estates ES parents/families are encouraged to participate.
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Bush Hill ES PTA Meeting, April 18, 7:00 p.m. Bush Hill ES families are invited to attend the next General Body PTA Meeting on April 18th. This is a virtual meeting, and the log-in link will be sent via Givebacks.
- Volunteers Needed to Support Annual Sports Physical Night
 Register online.
FCPS Key Dates and Activities
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FCPS Career and Transition Services Hosts Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options at Annandale HS (Cafeteria), April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This event is designed to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school. Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs (college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment) will host information tables. This event takes place on Thursday, April 25, 2023 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School (Cafeteria), 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 220033. Register online now.
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Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024, April 20, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families. Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association. This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. Register online now.
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🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation. Two conversations will take place at schools physically located in the Mount Vernon magisterial district:
Conversations will also take place in other schools around the County:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Community Announcements and Activities
Supervisor Dan Storck’s 6thAnnual Environment Expo, Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), April 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Come celebrate green living with Supervisor Stork's 6th Annual Environment Expo on Saturday, April 27th! This eco-conscious event will be held from 11:00 to 3 pm at Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A in Alexandria. Enjoy live music, delicious food, wildlife showcases, electric vehicle demos, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Explore face painting, scavenger hunts, touch-a-truck, and solar cooking demonstrations. Engage with exhibitors, win giveaways, and best of all, it's free! See attached flyer for details.
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Senator Warner’s Academy Day 2024 (HS), April 20, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Senator Mark R. Warner invites high school and middle school students, their parents or guardians, and school counselors to Academy Day 2024. The event will include a seated program that will provide a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission processes. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions during both the interactive service academy panel and the panel of other military-related options that exist at higher education institutions in Virginia. Information will also be shared regarding application procedures for congressional nominations and medical requirements for the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). Following the program, attendees will be able to meet with officials from all five academies as well as representatives from DoDMERB, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Richmond, ROTC programs at Randolph-Macon College and the University of Virginia, the United States Marine Corps, the Virginia Military Institute, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University at their resource tables. Staff from Virginia congressional offices will also be available to answer questions. As the event concludes, Randolph-Macon College will be offering campus tours. To participate, please meet in the bricked courtyard area in front of the Center for the Performing Arts at 1:30pm. Academy Day takes place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., doors open at 9:00 a.m. at Randolph-Macon College Center for the Performing Arts, Blackwell Auditorium, 205 Henry Street, Ashland, VA 23005. Register online. If you have any questions about the event, please email academy_noms@warner.senate.gov.
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Our Community Salutes 2024 High School Senior Enlistee Recognition Ceremony. Registration Deadline: April 26. In tribute to the courage and commitment of high school students embarking on a path of military service, Our Community Salutes (OCS) is a national non-profit organization focused on supporting the young men and women who have chosen to serve the nation. On Friday, May 3, 2024, at 7 p.m. OCS of Northern Virginia is hosting its 2024 High School Senior Enlistee Recognition Ceremony at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA. This no-cost special occasion provides an opportunity for families and community leaders to celebrate those who made the brave decision to enlist in the armed forces. For more information and to register for the event, please visit Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia. The deadline to register is April 26, 2024.
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All Ages Read Together (AART) is participating in the Spring2Action day of giving for Alexandria! AART is a nonprofit providing free preschool classes to children across Northern Virginia and the Alexandria area. This organization serves children who do not qualify for publicly funded preschool services, filling opportunity gaps for children who otherwise would not have access to early childhood education. Their classes are centrally located in the communities they serve, utilizing donated in-kind spaces like senior centers, libraries and affordable housing community rooms. They also bring local community leaders into their classrooms to introduce their students to new friends and opportunities. AART is participating in Spring2Action to raise funds in direct support of their programs and to provide books, backpacks, and supplies for their students. They’re looking to rally their community around their students - check out their Spring2Action page to see how you can support their students.
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Fairfax County’s Children’s Mental Health & Acceptance Event, James Lee Community Center, May 3, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us for the Celebration of Acceptance, an event by Fairfax County CSB dedicated to children's mental health awareness and inclusion on May 3, 2024, from 12:00 to 3:00pm at James Lee Community Center. Let's foster acceptance and support for children's mental health journeys together.
- STEAM-NExtGen Typing Club, Lorton Community Center
Report FCPS Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline:
(571) 423-1333 (anonymous voicemail) InternalAudit@fcps.edu (email is not anonymous)
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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